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Of the many things President Bush said in his Monday night address to the nation on immigration, one statement should ring loudly in the ears of all Americans: America needs to conduct this debate on immigration in a reasoned and respectful tone.
The debate, unfortunately, has been filled with vitriolic rhetoric that often borders on blatant bigotry. Only when such emotional feelings can be brought under control will the great American tradition of compromise, reached through reasoned and respectful debate, be achieved.
In KSL's view, the President's speech established an excellent framework for advancing the debate.
The border must be secured, although the idea of using National Guard troops to do it raises all sorts of concerns. The creation of a workable, enforceable temporary worker program is essential to the stability of our national economy. And yes, America must get serious about holding employers accountable for those they hire. As for the millions of illegal immigrants already here, it's unrealistic to round them all up and summarily send them back, which means a workable process for accommodating their presence must be established.
Yes, President Bush has provided a framework for resolution. Now, let the debate proceed in "a reasoned and respectful tone."
